If you thought the Baltimore Ravens second year QB Joe Flacco had reached a plateau by having his first 300 yard passing day earlier this season, you were obviously mistaken as evidenced by yesterday's performance. Flacco blew away his previous milestone by passing for 342 yards, connecting on 25 of 35 attempts, with one TD and no interceptions, for a 111.8 QB rating. Not bad for the guy so many "experts" were predicting a sophomore slump, right?
For the year, Joe the QB now has thrown for 839 yards, six TD's and only 2 interceptions for a QB rating of 101.4. With two games, both at home, of over 300 yards passing, he has now firmly implanted himself as not only the offensive star of this franchise, but among the league leaders as well. Compared to the rest of the league's QB's Flacco is 7th in yards passing (839), 9th in completion percentage (65.4%), 6th in average/attempt (8.1), tied for 4th in TD passes (6) and 5th in the league in passer rating, trailing only Drew Brees, Peyton and Eli Manning and Matt Schaub.
More on "Flacco, Ravens Offense Continue Progression" after the 'Jump.'
As a team, the Baltimore offense is ranked second in the NFL and that is not a typo, Ravens fans! Trailing only the pass crazy New Orleans Saints, the Ravens are averaging 430.3 yards of total offense per game. We are 2nd in the league in total plays from scrimmage, behind the New England Patriots and 4th in yards per play. The Ravens passing offense and quick scoring capabilities may have hurt our time of possession statistics, but we are still near the top, ranking 7th in that category.
As a team, the Ravens rank 5th in the NFL in passing yards/game, 4th in rushing yards and second in points scored, behind those same New Orleans Saints. RB Willis McGahee leads the entire NFL in scoring and touchdowns! He has scored six TD's, five rushing and one receiving, two more than any other player and is the only non-kicker in the top eleven scorers so far in 2009! Not bad for a guy who many said was washed up and doesn't even start on the high flying offense that are your Baltimore Ravens!
More to follow on the team's defense in tomorrow's post. For now, post your thoughts on what is becoming one of the league's offensive powerhouses this season and certainly the best in the Ravens history.